Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Dress code "smart"

10 replies

Onebabyandamadcat · 31/05/2022 09:59

So I'm going to a work event (drinks reception, dinner, speeches) and have been told the dresses code is "smart" I'm a seconded teacher - my work clothes are not what I'd really call "smart". I'm 5ft and a size 16/18 🙈 with a small budget (see teacher again 😂) that is don't really want to blow on a ln outfit I probably won't wear again. Any suggestions? Im comfortable in dresses or trousers/top and heels or flats

OP posts:
BungleandGeorge · 31/05/2022 10:01

Do you have an interview outfit?

CaptSkippy · 31/05/2022 10:02

Everything black with some jewelry and a jacket?

Could you maybe borrow something from a friend? Second hand shop can also be a good place to try.

Magenta82 · 31/05/2022 10:05

There is an awful lot of reasonably priced work wear on vinted. People are getting rid of it now they are wfh more often. Personally I love a tailored dress with a cardigan, but smart trousers and a shirt/smart top can look good too.

Magenta82 · 31/05/2022 10:09

BTW I'm also 5ft and used to yoyo between a size 18-24 (12-14 now) I picked dresses because they tend to be better on the length and even mini dresses can be work appropriate because they come up longer on me.

It doesn't have to be a tailored dress, a wrap style is also a good choice.

TottersBlankly · 31/05/2022 10:10

Do you have a decent plain jacket? And either a silky skirt or some flow-y trousers? If so you only need a silk (or silk looking) camisole in the same colour as one of the other things to make a decent smart outfit.

I’m sure you could borrow some dressy sandals and an evening bag. Hair and lipstick and you’re done!

Original poster
Onebabyandamadcat · 31/05/2022 10:37

Thank you everyone! Lots to look at! I've got tailor jackets and good shoes etc. The interview outfit tends to be a dress of some sort though I feel the last one was maybe a bit casual for this. I'll have a good look through all the suggestions

OP posts:
WimpoleHat · 31/05/2022 10:38

For men, this will mean a business suit. Women have more latitude. I would say a dress and heels with some jewellery/makeup would be absolutely fine.

Triffid1 · 31/05/2022 13:01

As its a work event, I'm assuming it will be filled with other secondary teachers? In which case, I'd take smart to mean your smartest version of what you wear daily, or just one step above. So if you regularly wear dresses, then pick your smartest dress and perhaps make it a bit smarter with a good jacket or tailored cardigan, good jewellery and shoes.

I used to work in the City but in a slightly more casual environment. So Id' wear a dress and cardigan and flats on a day to day basis, but if I had a big important meeting or something I'd put on a proper jacket, whip out my pearls and wear heels!

Sqeebling · 31/05/2022 14:08

I see it as no jeans, joggers or trainers so you should be good with anything other than that really.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page